Indian forces in a bid to capture major cities of Pakistan launched an assault under the cover of darkness on September 6, 1965. The Indian forces in its night assault used all its might of air and ground forces. Sialkot district was attacked by Indian army with heavy gun fire and shelling while air force attacked Sialkot railway station and historic Sialkot Fort as a result a large number of civilians were killed in heavy shelling and brutal bombing on civilian areas.
The Indian Army was advancing into Pakistan border with help and support of tanks in order to capture Sialkot and delink it from other parts of the country. About 600 tanks entered in Chawinda, Phalora and Alhar areas to gain controle of Sialkot and adjoining areas. Pak Army retaliated, resulting in the biggest tank battle after World War 11 in Khanawali area where Pakistan army repulsed aggression and Indian army faced humiliating defeat Khanawali area is still remembered as "Graveyard of Indian Tanks" where 600 tanks were blown up. The local people had constructed a monument in Khanawali in the memory of heroes of 1965. During a visit to this historic area, (Khanawali) a large number of people were seen offering Dua at memorial of Shuhada of September 6, 1965 war.